ESPN reports that general manager Jed Hoyer said the team’s offseason
needs -- other than pitching -- is finding veteran leadership.
“We need to add some guys to our roster that can help provide that,” Hoyer said. “We also have to lengthen out our position-player group.”
As much as Rizzo and Castro have taken over leadership roles, Hoyer still thinks they need help.
“They probably need some guys around them that can teach them the
right things to do,” Hoyer said. “I’ve talked to them both individually
about that and they want to do it, but I don’t think right now they have
enough experience, or I don’t think they’ve been around enough guys
that are real clubhouse leaders that have taught them the ropes. I think
we need to provide that for those guys.”
So who can the Cubs bring in and where would they play? Hoyer said
many starting jobs will be filled by young prospects, some of whom have
already made their major league debuts this season.
“That takes up a fair number of positions," Hoyer said, "but we
wouldn’t rule out adding a starting player or two that can help there as
well."
What Hoyer is saying is that he cannot trust his coaching staff to "teach" young players how to become professional players. Even though Renteria was specifically hired to do just that, the front office believes that players listen to other players more than coaches.
To fix this problem, proven veterans from winning clubs are used to bring in a proper attitude. In the Cubs clubhouse, that is a tall order since a losing culture has settled in. What Hoyer is also saying is that he is not going out to get a "star" championship caliber player to guide the young core to greatness. Just a veteran presence that players will listen to and respect.
I don't know if starting outfield free agents like De Aza or Parra fit that bill. One suggests that a catcher like Russell Martin could be good candidate, but he would be an expensive alternative to Wellington Castillo. And one does not think adding a 5th outfielder in the Reed Johnson mold is going to get the same voice as a starting corner outfielder whose performance is at an All-Star level.
